From Excel to AI: Automating at Enterprise Scale

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/757 Discover how automation and AI are reshaping enterprise operations through the Microsoft Power Platform. Joe Leo shares real-world use cases, lessons from scaling automation across 10,000+ users, and insights into integrating RPA, Power BI, and AI for smarter business processes. 🎙️ What you’ll learn Build scalable automation using Power Platform tools Replace manual checklists with real-time digital workflows Use canvas apps to improve data quality and reduce maintenance Integrate RPA with model-driven apps for centralised control Navigate career shifts and personal branding in a competitive tech market ✅ Highlights “Macros were the way to automate work before Power Platform.” “We had over 10,000 licenses… scaling to 100,000 users.” “Cleaning logs on a clipboard became a canvas app with photo uploads.” “200 Excel files emailed weekly—now replaced by a single app.” “We deployed to 1,000 users in two weeks during COVID.” “We created a model-driven app as a control station for automation.” “Instead of inbox triggers, we used canvas apps to cleanse data.” “Maintenance is the hidden cost—bots went offline mid-process.” “Power apps are agile—changes deployed during a single call.” “LinkedIn job posts get 100+ applicants in 15 minutes.” “You’ve got to articulate your brand in a few minutes.” “You can’t just build, deploy and forget—maintenance is ongoing.” 🧰 Mentioned Microsoft Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform UI Path - https://www.uipath.com/ Excel Macros - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/quick-start-create-a-macro-741130ca-080d-49f5-9471-1e5fb3d581a8 Canvas Apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/ ✅ Keywords automation, power platform, canvas apps, model-driven apps, power automate, rpa, ai integration, business process, power bi, data quality, career branding, enterprise tech Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption Support the show If you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin . Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith